Is there a difference between DVD-RW and DVD+RW?

Question

I recently purchased a DVD recorder.
The instruction manual states that I must have a DVD+RW or DVD+R disc in order to record. I purchased DVD-RW disks. When I put the DVD-RW disc into the drive, it would not recognize the disc.

Is there a difference between DVD+RW and DVD-RW?
Is this why the player would not recognize the disk?

Answer 1

There are different chemicals in the +R and -R disks so the machine needs a different laser to deal with them.

Go buy some DVD+R disks. You can likely return the -R. Watch for sales as places like BestBuy put spindles of 50 for a few bucks off every week or so.

Answer 2

The letters DVD+RW and DVD-RW are similar, but they are 2 completely different formats. -RW is the version that is approved by the DVD Consortium, and is playable in more recorders. However, this format is not as good for data storage and error correction. The +RW format is better for these purposes.

You'll have to either return your -RW discs or find someone to sell or give them to. They just aren't going to work in that burner.

Answer 3

There IS a difference. Unfortunately, I don't know exactly what it is. But I have had this same problem, where only certain DVD players can recognize the disc...it's really irritating.

Answer 4

the quality or " picture" is better with dvd -r